IF

Rating 8/10

I saw the trailer. When I walked into the theater for IF, I braced myself for a predictable kids’ adventure with a barrage of flashy special effects and distracting celebrity voices. (Warning: The ubiquitous Awkwafina does one, but thankfully it’s brief) Instead, I was swept away by a heartwarming and profound exploration of death and the power of visionary thinking. This picture artfully balances sweetness with melancholy, delivering a poignant account. 

12-year-old Bea (Cailey Fleming) embarks on an emotional journey, staying with her grandmother (Fiona Shaw) in Brooklyn while her dad (John Krasinski) awaits heart surgery in the hospital. Bea hasn’t visited since her mom’s passing six years ago. One day, she encounters a strange creature and decides to follow it. This leads to the discovery of imaginary friends (IFs) who are real and living with the upstairs neighbor Cal (Ryan Reynolds). Bea’s decision to join them in their mission to find new children to care for is a testament to her resilience and compassion.

IF is a delightful fantasy that combines live action with animation. The straightforward plot is easy to follow yet deeply touching. Bea’s desire to help Cal in his work leads to Memory Lane Retirement Home, a hidden sanctuary for retired IFs. While there, she befriends Lewis (Louis Gossett Jr.), an elderly teddy bear, who inspires her to redesign the facility with her cognitive creativity. The ensuing sequence is a musical number set to Tina Turner’s classic “Better Be Good to Me,” which harkens back to Bea’s childhood. The enchanting blend of music, dance, and animated characters strikes all the right chords. Ever pinpoint the first scene in a movie where you know you’re going to love a film? I was hooked from this moment on.

The developments convey a carefree charm reminiscent of classics from a bygone era. Henceforth, Bea is focused on helping the IFs who have been left behind by kids who have grown-up. This includes a humanoid butterfly named Blossom (Phoebe Waller-Bridge) and a large purple furry monster called Blue (Steve Carell).  His child was colorblind.  Bea will assist Benjamin (Alan Kim), an upbeat boy she meets at the hospital, her grandmother Margaret (Fiona Shaw), and  Jeremy (Bobby Moynihan), a nervous entrepreneur. Teen actress Cailey Fleming is an absolute delight in the lead role, bringing maturity and sincerity that makes her stand out. Fleming exhibits no-nonsense charisma without resorting to smart-alecky quips or the hipster sassiness that often plague juvenile performances. 

IF promotes fundamental values like friendship, familial bonds, and the power of imagination, all without a trace of cynicism. These themes lie at the heart of the story’s raison d’etre.  It exudes innocence and simplicity wrapped in a nostalgic mood. Michael Giacchino’s (Up, Ratatouille) score occasionally leans too heavily into whimsy when the visuals are enough. Still, he creates a lush and comforting atmosphere that complements the story. The chronicle subtly imparts moral lessons and concludes with an unexpected and uplifting twist, leaving the audience with hope and optimism. If you find you’re immune, double-check that your heart isn’t imaginary!

05-17-24

Stick around for a post-credits tribute to Louis Gossett Jr. (the voice of Lewis), who passed away in March.